Olympics

London Olympics: Thursday’s best photos

Ariane Friedrich of Germany competes during the Women's High Jump qualification on Day 13 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 9, 2012 in London, England.

Jump for joy

The United States women's soccer players celebrate with their gold medals after defeating Japan 2-1 to win the final at Wembley Stadium in London. MORE: Full Olympics results.

Think pink

Ariane Friedrich of Germany competes during women's high jump qualifying at the Olympic Stadium in London. Friedrich failed on this attempt and failed to reach the final, which is Saturday. MORE: Who's going for gold? Find out with our daily schedule.

Be very quiet

Usain Bolt celebrates as he crosses the finish line ahead of Jamaican teammates Yohan Blake (right) and Warren Weir (left) in the final of the 200 meters at Olympic Stadium in London. Bolt successfully defended his Olympic crowns in the 100 and 200. MORE: They said what?! Keep up with all the juicy athlete tweets.

Sun and shadow

Darius Draudvila of Lithuania competes in the discus throw during the decathlon at Olympic Stadium in London. US teammates Ashton Eaton and Trey Hardee won gold and silver, respectively, in the event. MORE: Full Olympics results.

Hoop scoop

Candace Parker of the United States drives for a shot against Lauren Jackson of Australia during the teams' women's basketball semifinal at North Greenwich Arena in London. The US won to advance to the gold-medal game against France. MORE: They said what?! Keep up with all the juicy athlete tweets.

Draped in glory

Abby Wambach of the United States celebrates with the American flag the United States beat Japan 2-1 at Wembley Stadium to win women's soccer gold. MORE: See all of the gold medals won by Americans so far.

You go, girls!

United States players celebrate winning gold in women's water polo with a victory over Spain at the Water Polo Arena in London. MORE: They said what?! Keep up with all the juicy athlete tweets.

Incoming!

Destinee Hooker of the United States gets way up high to spike the ball against Dae-Young Jung of South Korea during the teams' volleyball semifinal at Earls Court in London. Hooker led the Americans to a 3-0 victory, and they'll play for gold against Brazil. MORE: Who's going for gold? Find out with our daily schedule.

Where's E.T.?

A freestyle BMX rider is pictured during a break in the men's BMX quarterfinal heats at the BMX venue in the Olympic Park in London. MORE: Fans show off their colorful Olympic pride.

They've got rhythm

The Israel team competes in group all-around rhythmic gymnastics qualifying at Wembley Arena in London. Qualifying continues Friday, with the finals on Saturday and Sunday. MORE: Who's going for gold? Find out with our daily schedule.

Moving as one

Editor's note: Photograph was taken with an underwater camera. Japan swims in the team technical routine during the synchronized swimming competition at the Aquatics Centre in London. MORE: Full Olympics results.

Down he goes

Colombia's Carlos Mario Oquendo Zabala crashes during a BMX cycling men's quarterfinal run at the BMX Track in London. Despite the fall, Zabala recovered to qualify for Friday's semifinals. MORE: Who's going for gold? Find out with our daily schedule.

Record run

Kenya's David Lekuta Rudisha reacts after setting a world record to win the men's 800-meter final at the Olympic Stadium in London. MORE: Full Olympics results.

Floating around

China's Deng Senyue performs her ball program during the individual all-around qualifications of the rythmic gymnastics event. MORE: They said what?! Keep up with all the juicy athlete tweets.